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Toward acquisition protocol standardization for estimating liver fat content using ultrasound attenuation coefficient
Giovanna Ferraioli1, Ambra Raimondi1,2, Annalisa De Silvestri3
1Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Ultrasonography (Seoul, Korea)
|June 26, 2023
Summary
Ultrasound attenuation coefficient (AC) measurements are repeatable when performed in intercostal spaces with specific region of interest settings. These findings improve the reliability of AC measurements in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Ultrasound Technology
- Quantitative Ultrasound
Background:
- Ultrasound attenuation coefficient (AC) is a quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameter.
- Assessing AC measurement repeatability is crucial for its clinical application.
- Variability in AC measurements can arise from different ultrasound systems and operator techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate factors influencing the repeatability of ultrasound attenuation coefficient (AC) measurements using a Canon ultrasound system.
- To compare AC measurement results obtained with algorithms from different ultrasound vendors.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted at two centers involving 34 participants.
- AC measurements were performed using Canon and Fujifilm ultrasound systems, and a Siemens system with a combined AC and backscatter coefficient algorithm.
- Inter-observer and intra-observer concordance were assessed using varying transducer positions, region of interest (ROI) depths, and sizes, with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient used for analysis.
Main Results:
- AC values decreased with increasing depth.
- Highest intra-observer (0.92) and inter-observer (0.89) concordance for AC measurements were achieved in intercostal spaces using best-quality images, a 3-cm ROI, with its top edge 2 cm below the liver capsule during breath-hold.
- Measurements in the left liver lobe showed the lowest concordance (intra-observer: 0.67, inter-observer: 0.58).
- Intercostal space measurements demonstrated the highest repeatability across all tested ultrasound systems.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound attenuation coefficient (AC) measurements are highly repeatable when acquired in intercostal spaces.
- Optimal AC measurement repeatability is achieved with specific ROI placement (3-cm ROI, top edge 2 cm below liver capsule) on high-quality images during breath-hold.
- Standardizing AC measurement protocols can enhance its reliability in clinical settings.
